Physical training system and device and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A physical training system wherein power yoga asanas are executed on the resilient mat of a mini-trampoline rebounder, thereby increasing flexibility and balance via incorporation of a challenging and unstable foundational surface, and wherein posture intensity is selectively increased by utilization of on-board resistance cords, either for holding in an isometric contraction, or by performing repetitions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present United States PatentApplication is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to and thebenefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/527,531 filed on Aug.17, 2009, now abandoned, which claimed priority to Patent CooperationTreaty Application Number PCT/US2008/002051 filed on Feb. 15, 2008,which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/905,130 filed on Mar. 6, 2007, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/901,856 filed on Feb. 16, 2007, the disclosuresof which are each incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to physical training devices;and, more particularly, to a physical training system and methodthereof, wherein a holistic approach to mind/body fitness utilizesancient yoga discipline and contemporary fitness technology, and whereina plurality of mental and physical skills can be concurrently emphasizedvia a fusion of power yoga with a mini-trampoline rebounder system andstretch cords. The device of the present invention is particularlysuited for, although not limited to, uses incorporating physicaltraining techniques such as power yoga, core stability, flexibilitytraining, cardiovascular training, resistance training, and mind/bodyawareness training for progressive strengthening, toning and lengtheningof muscles to achieve a defined look, and for increasing strength,balance, speed, agility, endurance, and concentration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Yoga's focus on balance, coordination, strength and flexibility isachieved, in simple form, via specific body movements, and combinationsthereof, designed to beneficially influence the mind, spirit, and body.Mental concentration on breathing and muscle movements during steadyposes, or asanas, enables well-rounded development.

For example, one beneficial component of yoga is stretching, wherebystrength and flexibility are enhanced, muscle tension is decreased, andanxiety and stress are reduced. Another beneficial component of yoga, asa holistic form of exercise, is meditation, bringing increasedself-awareness, wherein benefits extend beyond the physical and intomental and emotional realms. It is, therefore, well accepted thatlong-term health and well-being can be realized from the practice ofyoga.

The basic practice of yoga incorporates three main aspects: asanas, orposes, pranayama, or breathing, and meditation. The poses facilitateflexibility and strengthen muscles, improving circulation and organfunction, and are performed in coordination with inhalation, exhalationand holding of breath, training the mind to achieve a centered andrelaxed calmness. Yoga practice brings rejuvenation by strengtheningmuscle, enhancing breathing, increasing flexibility, and improvingbalance.

Yoga poses or postures are traditionally defined from the foundation up,wherein the foundation is the body part touching the floor, such asstanding balancing poses, hands and knees, headstand, and the like. Posestability, specifically held for a targeted elapsed period time, isimportant, with proper feet placements varying according to targetedpurpose and elected difficulty. Thus, variation in foundation placementand introduction of some measure of instability to the support surfacecould be utilized in order to vary the dynamic intensity of a yogaworkout.

Unlike yoga, resistance training focuses primarily on physicaldevelopment. Resistive training devices, such as bands or cordsessentially simulate the effects of weight training by allowing musclesto be isolated and conditioned; however, the variable elastic potentialof resistance bands enables total user control over the resistanceapplied. With resistance cords, a variety of spring constants areavailable, wherein user selection of cords with greater resistancefollows advancement in resistive training abilities; thereby, enablingusers to continue to effectively stimulate muscle groups via increasedresistance.

Elastic potential and elastic kinetic energy forces generated bystretching a resistive cord or band and holding it in position areessentially transferred to the user's muscles. Weight trainingconversely relies on gravitational potential energy. Thus, isometrictraining with a resistance cord or band effectively conditions andtrains muscles via accelerating, isolating, strengthening, andquickening specific muscle groups.

Unfortunately, no available system enables the combined realization ofthe benefits of yoga and resistance cord or band training. Therefore, itis readily apparent that there is a need for a physical training systemand device and method of use thereof, wherein yoga techniques may beenhanced via introduction of challenging foundation placement, andwherein muscle groups may be resistively targeted.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device and system by providing a physical trainingsystem and device, and methods of use thereof, wherein a holisticapproach to mind/body fitness combines ancient yoga discipline withcontemporary fitness technology, and wherein a plurality of mental andphysical skills can be concurrently emphasized via the fusion of poweryoga with a mini-trampoline rebounder system and incorporated stretchcords.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferredform, the present invention is a physical training system, wherein poweryoga asanas are executed on the resilient mat of a mini-trampolinerebounder; thereby, increasing flexibility and balance via incorporationof a more challenging and/or unstable foundation surface, and whereinthe posture intensity is selectively increased by utilization ofon-board resistance cords, either for holding in an isometriccontraction, or by performing repetitions.

More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferredform is an elongated, oval-shaped mini-trampoline rebounder with aspringedly-supported mat surface dimensioned to accommodate a pluralityof yoga poses. The peripheral edge of the rebounder, proximate theplurality of springs, is preferably adapted for quick, secure, andreleasable engagement of resistance training bands or cords, whereinstrategic placement of cord installation ports offers an appropriatebase site for application of resistive forces to targeted muscle groupsduring selected postures or repeated motions.

The system and device of the present invention, and the methods of usethereof, also preferably includes a plurality of resistance bands orcords having variable coefficients of elasticity. Band or cordinterchangeability facilitates easy and selective adjustment ofresistive forces, as desired or necessary for maximizing beneficialmuscular realizations during execution, and for achieving beneficialmuscular exercise development during practice.

The preferred methodology of the present invention, wherein asanas aremaintained on a variable and responsive surface, enables the user toimprove core stability, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, musclestrength and tone, muscle length and definition, balance, agility,endurance, and concentration.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of sucha system and device, and method of use thereof, to deliver user-selectedresistive force to targeted muscle groups.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability ofsuch a system and device, and method of use thereof, to enable selectionand delivery of a plurality of intensity levels, according to thepreference of the user.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability ofsuch a system and device, and method of use thereof, to enableresistance training without requiring complicated resistance mechanisms.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability ofsuch a system and device, and method of use thereof, to increase thenumber of calories burned during a workout, relative to a typical poweryoga or mini-trampoline workout.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, toaccommodate use by virtually any individual of essentially any skilllevel for a variety of training activities.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, tofacilitate the fusion of power yoga, core stability, cardiovascular andresistance training to progressively strengthen, tone, and lengthenmuscles.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, toprovide a fun, innovative and challenging workout that incorporatesmeditative yoga postures.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, tofacilitate the incorporation of many facets of fitness via a holistictraining approach.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, to besafe and versatile, and to be effectively used by a broad spectrum ofusers.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a system and device, and method of use thereof, tofacilitate the performance of a revolutionary whole-body workout knownas POWER TRAMPOLOGA.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numeralsdenote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an elevation perspective view of a rebounder platformaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing aplurality of resistance bands in an installed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rebounder platform of FIG. 1,showing a resistance cord in an installed position and showing a user inan exemplary posture and stretching the installed resistance cord;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rebounder platform of FIG. 1,showing a plurality of resistance cords in an installed position andshowing a user in an exemplary posture and stretching the installedresistance cords;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rebounder platform of FIG. 1,showing a plurality of resistance cords in an installed position andshowing a user in an exemplary posture and stretching the installedresistance cords;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rebounder platform of FIG. 1,showing a resistance cord in an installed position and showing a user inan exemplary posture and stretching the installed resistance cord;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rebounder platform of FIG. 1,showing a user in an exemplary posture with no resistance cords;

FIG. 7A is an overhead view of a rebounder platform according to onealternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a side view of a releasable locking fastener for use inassociation with one or more embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C are exemplary bands and/or cords for use in association with oneor more embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an overhead view of a rebounder platform according to onealternate embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the rebounderplatform the present invention, showing a preferred constructionthereof, without protective spring covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentinvention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein,specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplishsimilar functions.

Referring now, generally, to the drawing Figures, and specifically toFIG. 1, the present invention in the preferred embodiment is physicaltraining system 10 and method thereof, comprising rebounder platform 100and resistive members 500 (best seen with reference to FIG. 7C). In thepreferred embodiment, rebounder platform 100 is generallyrectangular-shaped, preferably defined by supportive mat surface 110,frame 120 (best seen with reference to FIG. 9), and plurality of springs130.

Preferably, supportive mat surface 110 is fabric characterized byminimal stretch, wherein forces imparted thereto during use arepreferably transferred and absorbed via plurality of springs 130.Therefore, although supportive mat surface 110 may be formed from anymaterial capable of performing as a jump surface, or unstable foundationsurface according to the preferred use of the present invention,polypropylene and canvas are preferred. Also, it is preferred thatsupportive mat surface 110 have a non-slip/non-skid surface treatment inorder to prevent a user from slipping during movements, and/or in orderto prevent skin burn if unintentional contact with surface 110 occurs.It should be understood that the non-slip/non-skid feature could beimparted to the entire rebounder platform 100, or to any sub-areathereof, as would be desirable for use.

Preferably, frame 120 is steel; however, one skilled in the art shouldreadily recognize that frame 120 could be formed from any suitablysupportive construction materials. Frame 120, in its preferredconfiguration, defines peripheral edge 122 and plurality of support legs124. Preferably, plurality of springs 130 extends between peripheraledge 122 and supportive mat surface 120, thereby facilitating theresilient instability of rebounder platform 100. Protective springcovering 132 preferably shields plurality of springs 130 frominadvertent user contact.

In the preferred embodiment, plurality of resistance ports 126 aredefined proximate peripheral edge 122 of frame 120, wherein resistancemembers 500 may be selectively secured thereto. Specifically, it ispreferred that resistance members 500 comprise plurality of bands 502and/or plurality of cords 504, wherein each plurality 502 and 504preferably provides a plurality of selectable resistance members ofvarying coefficients. Further, and also preferably, resistance members500 are color-coded, wherein the nature of the resistive qualities ofeach such band or cord may be quickly and easily recognized, therebyenabling rapid selection according to workout target goals.

Preferably, a plurality of releasable locking fasteners 506 (best seenwith reference to FIG. 7B) is provided for facilitating removably secureattachment of bands 502 and/or cords 504 to frame 120 at plurality ofresistance ports 126. The preferred combination of selectable resistancemembers 500 for selectable, interchangeable, and secure installation atany one of the plurality of resistance ports 126 enables effectivedelivery of resistive forces tailored to the desire of a particularuser, directed to a targeted muscle group, and focused upon during aselected yoga posture.

Preferably, resistance members 500 comprise bands 502 and/or cords 504,wherein bands 502 are preferably generally flat, continuously circularresistance tools that are grasp-able and/or grip-able at essentially anyposition about the circumference. By contrast, cords 504 are preferablygenerally tubular, elongated resistance tools that further comprisehandles 508 proximate the distal end thereof. Thus, cords 504 and bands502 may be selectively preferred, according to the individual stretchdynamic and/or grip and grasp differences attributed thereto, andaccording to the preferred postures to be engaged during use thereof.

Although physical training system 10 is fully capable of assisting in awide variety of resistance training techniques via manipulation ofresistance members 500, it is preferred that plurality of resistancemembers 500 are provided as a user-adjustable feature to enhance therange of resistance selection options, wherein selectability of one ofthe plurality of resistance ports 126 to accommodate a first pose at afirst resistance may be quickly and easily followed by selection of asecond one of the plurality of resistance ports 126 to accommodate asecond pose at a second resistance, if desired.

In the preferred embodiment, both rebounder 100 and plurality ofresistance members 500 are utilized. However, as alternately describedherein, physical training system 10 can be utilized with poses executedon mat surface 110 without coincident use of resistance members 500,such as shown in FIG. 6.

Turning now to FIG. 9, depicted is a preferred embodiment of rebounder100, showing a preferred construction thereof. In this Figure, rebounder100 is shown without protective spring covering 132. Frame 120comprises, in this embodiment, a rectangular, box-like construction.Angled frame members 123 are affixed to top frame members 124 and spanto cross frame members 125. Cross frame members 125 are affixed tobottom frame members 126. So constructed, foam element 129 may beinserted under mat surface 110, and above cross frame members 125. Foamelement 129 is further bounded by angled frame members 123. With suchconstruction, or an equivalent of such construction as would be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art, foam element 129 is suitably andstably positioned under mat surface 110 for the purposes describedbelow.

Foam element 129 preferably comprises memory foam, such as ECONOFLEX C33medium foam, which has a published density of 1.8 lb/cubic-ft. and withan indentation load deflection, or ILD, of 33. In an exemplaryembodiment, foam element 129 is approximately 24 inches wide, by 60inches long, by 4 inches thick. Foam element 129 optionally may becovered in one or more dimensions with a fabric, cloth, or any othercovering known in the art, so as to minimize soiling and/or other damageto the foam, and to enhance appearance.

Although specifications for a preferred foam element 129 have beendiscussed above, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart, that any suitable chemical formulation, material, density, ILD,size, and/or other characteristic of foam element 129 may be selectedfor use in association with the present invention, depending upon theuser's specific needs, preferences, and body weight. Foam element 129may also, in some embodiments, comprise surface features, such aselevated bumps or egg carton shape, depending, again, upon the user'sspecific needs, preferences, and body weight.

Preferably, foam element 129 is thick enough to span the vertical spacebetween the top of cross frame members 125 and the underside of matsurface 110. In such embodiment, there is no gap, or at most a minimalgap, between mat surface and foam. Accordingly, a user is afforded thebenefits of an unstable, low impact, yoga-type mat, with a foam elementunderlying mat surface 110 for additional or supplemental support, andresistance bands, all for the purpose of enhancing yoga-type exerciseroutines. Such a device provides benefits for a user's balance, corestability, and flexibility, along with such strength and cardiovascularbenefits as have been discussed in greater detail herein.

If, however, an advanced user chooses, foam element 129 may be selectedin a thickness so as to insufficiently span the vertical space betweenthe top of cross frame members 125 and the underside of mat surface 110.In such embodiment, there may be a gap, and even a significant gap,between mat surface and foam. Accordingly, such a user may be afforded adifferent experience, with differing physical demands.

In alternative embodiments, one or more spacer or other mechanicalelement may be situated above the tops of cross frame members 125 inorder to abridge or reduce the vertical gap beneath mat surface 110 andthe top of foam element 129. In such embodiments, a thinner foam element129 may be used. Advantageously with such embodiments, a user mayconveniently select and interchange foam element 129 with another havinga thickness conducive to his or her exercise preferences.

Alternatively, supporting frame members 123, 125, 126 may be configuredso as to abridge or reduce the vertical gap beneath mat surface 110 andthe top of foam element 129, so that a thinner foam element 129 may beused.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 8, alternate rebounder 101 couldalternately define a non-rectangular shape, such as an oval shape, asdepicted in FIG. 7A, or a figure-eight shape as depicted in FIG. 8, orany other shape desired that is suitably dimensioned for performance andexecution of asanas thereon.

In another alternate embodiment, resistance members 500 could bepermanently fastened to rebounder 100, wherein resistance adjustmentcould alternately be provided for.

In another alternate embodiment, the system and device of the presentinvention could include resistance delivery members other than bands orcords, such as, for exemplary purposes only, pulley arrangements orweighted members.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the system and device of thepresent invention could include additional on-board features such as acountdown timer, clock, speaker/sound generator, and/or aroma dispenser.

In an alternate embodiment, the physical training system 10 could bedesigned to be easily disassembled and/or folded to enable portability.

In another alternate embodiment, fiberglass rods could be utilized inplace of, or in addition to, plurality of springs 130.

In preferred use, rebounder 100 is placed on a secure surface, such asthe floor, and plurality of resistance members 500 are eitherpreliminarily attached to resistance ports 126 or are positionedproximate rebounder 100 so as to enable quick access and attachmentduring the workout. The preferred workout, POWER TRAMPOLOGA, proceeds asthe user steps up onto mat surface 110, finding balance, and progressesthrough yoga postures, or asanas.

A user can preferably select one or more resistance members 500 at atime for utilization during a particular pose. For example, if the useris engaged in the “Triangle” pose, the user may selectively intensifythe workout by holding cords 504 in an isometric contraction.Alternately, the user may utilize cords 504 to perform repetitions, suchas tricep extensions. Depending upon the pose, a wide variety ofresistive activities may be incorporated, such as, for exemplarypurposes only, bicep curls, squats, lunges, shoulder raises, and thelike.

Another exemplary pose is “Warrior II,” exemplarily depicted in FIG. 4,wherein breathing is even, legs are in a lunge position, and arms areextended. In the preferred workout utilizing the preferred deviceaccording to the preferred system and method of the present invention,the arms are preferably extended and handles 508 of cords 504 arepreferably grasped. While holding the modified posture, the user'sdeltoids, biceps and triceps are challenged by the resistive force ofcords 504. The user's core is automatically engaged as quadriceps,glutes, calves, and hamstrings contract to steady the user in the“Warrior” position upon rebounder 100. Further, the muscles surroundingthe hip, ankle and knee joints contract to maintain equilibrium;thereby, therapeutically strengthening these articulations.Additionally, the dynamics of the postures benefit the Achilles tendon.As further examples, and without limitation, FIG. 3 depicts a useraccomplishing a “Bent Over Lateral Raise” position, FIG. 5 depicts auser accomplishing a “Right Legged Lunge/Tricep Kickback” maneuver, andFIG. 6 depicts a user performing an “Upward Facing Dog” position, allupon rebounder 100.

It should be understood that the device, system and method of thepresent invention may optionally be implemented with variation relativeto the POWER TRAMPOLOGA workout presented herein; however, the POWERTRAMPOLOGA workout's well-rounded full body workout and meditativebenefits are preferred. Additionally, it should be understood that thedevice, system, and method of the present invention is suitable forindividual utilization in an isolated environment, for video or webcastinteractive performance, and/or for group performance via an in-personinstructor.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A physical training device, comprising: a rebounder platformcomprising a mat surface, a foam element beneath said mat surface, and aplurality of resistance members, said plurality of resistance memberscarried by said rebounder platform.
 2. The physical training device ofclaim 1, wherein said rebounder platform further comprises a pluralityof ports defined about a perimeter of said platform, and wherein saidplurality of resistance members are secured to said rebounder platformproximate said ports.
 3. The physical training device of claim 1,wherein said foam element comprises memory foam.
 4. A physical trainingsystem, comprising: an elongated mini-trampoline a foam elementunderlying a mat of said mini-trampoline; and a plurality of stretchablecords adapted for removable attachment to said elongatedmini-trampoline, wherein at least some of said plurality of stretchablecords have different coefficients of elasticity from one another,wherein said mat surface and foam element of said mini-trampolinefunction as a generally unstable foundation surface, and wherein saidplurality of stretchable cords function as resistance trainers for saidphysical training system.
 5. The physical training system of claim 4,wherein said elongated mini-trampoline is rectangular, furthercomprising a frame and a plurality of springs.
 6. The physical trainingsystem of claim 4, wherein said mat surface is comprised of fabric withlittle or no elasticity.
 7. The physical training system of claim 4,wherein said mini-trampoline further comprises a surface treatment toimpart non-slip characteristics.
 8. The physical training system ofclaim 4, wherein said mat surface further comprises a surface treatmentto impart non-slip characteristics.
 9. The physical training system ofclaim 5, wherein said frame is rigid and further comprises a peripheraledge and a plurality of support legs, wherein said plurality ofstretchable cords are attached proximate said peripheral edge of saidframe, and wherein means are provided in association with said frame forconstraining movement of said foam element.
 10. The physical trainingsystem of claim 4, wherein a protective covering is installed proximatean upper surface of said plurality of springs.
 11. The physical trainingsystem of claim 4, wherein said plurality of stretchable cords havedifferent colorations from one another according to said differentcoefficients of elasticity.
 12. The physical training system of claim 4,wherein said plurality of stretchable cords are each generallytubular-shaped and further comprise a handle at a distal end thereof.13. The physical training device of claim 1, wherein said plurality ofresistance members are a plurality of bands, and wherein each said bandis a generally flat, continuously circular resilient member.
 14. Thephysical training device of claim 1, wherein said rebounder platform isfigure-eight shaped.
 15. The physical training device of claim 1,wherein said rebounder platform is oval shaped.
 16. The physicaltraining device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of resistance membersare permanently fastened to said rebounder platform.
 17. The physicaltraining device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of resistance membersare selected from the group consisting of bands, cords, pulleyarrangements, or weighted members.
 18. The physical training device ofclaim 1, wherein said rebounder platform further comprises one or moreaccessory features selected from the group consisting of a countdowntimer, a clock, a speaker, a sound generator, or an aroma dispenser. 19.The physical training device of claim 1, wherein said rebounder platformis foldably portable.
 20. The physical training system of claim 4,wherein said foam element further comprises memory foam.